Gonzalez earns U.S. national team call-up for March World Cup Qualifiers

Omar Gonzalez was named to the 23-man U.S. National Team squad on Monday ahead of World Cup Qualifiers against Costa Rica at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on March 22 and Mexico at Estadio Azteca on March 26.

Gonzalez started the last U.S. World Cup Qualifier, a 2-1 defeat to Honduras on February 6. Following the match, Gonzalez received praise from head coach Jurgen Klinsmann for his performance and is expected to be in contention to start both qualifiers.

Due to his national team call-up, he will not be with the Galaxy for Saturday’s match against the Colorado Rapids at The Home Depot Center. The Galaxy will also be without captain Robbie Keane on Saturday, who was called up by Ireland for their World Cup Qualifiers against Sweden and Austria. Both players will rejoin the team before LA's March 30 match against Toronto FC.